The National Urban League (NUL) invites applications for its inaugural Scholar-in-Residence focused on Research and Policy. This postdoctoral fellowship is a two-year term designed to support an early-career scholar whose work advances the understanding, design, and implementation of reparative justice for African Americans.
The Scholar-in-Residence will serve as the intellectual cornerstone of the National Urban League’s work on reparations, providing leadership, expertise, and strategic guidance across the organization. This role will collaborate closely with multiple teams, including the Equitable Justice & Strategic Initiatives Division, Programs Department, and the Washington Bureau. The person will also engage with affiliate leaders nationwide to advance research, inform policy, and shape public discourse. This is a unique opportunity to lead original scholarship and contribute to the national movement for racial and economic justice at a pivotal moment in U.S. history.
Essential Functions:
- Providing detailed project management of program operations and deliverables.
- Conduct interdisciplinary research on the historical, legal, economic, and cultural foundations of reparations.
- Conduct analysis on economic, social, and intergenerational harms, including commissioning studies and maintaining a centralized archive of data, narratives, and expert insights.
- Produce policy briefs, white papers, and peer-reviewed publications to inform policy, advocacy, and organizational strategy.
- Engage with community leaders, scholars, and policymakers to translate research into action.
- Organize public events, roundtables, and educational programming.
- Serve as a public voice on reparations through media, speaking engagements, and institutional platforms.
- Develop a toolkit for local affiliates, including facilitator guides and training for staff.
Experience:
- Demonstrated expertise or emerging research agenda on reparations, racial justice, or related topics.
- Strong writing, research, and communication skills.
- Experience collaborating with diverse communities and stakeholders.
- Commitment to the mission and values of the sponsoring institution.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Exceptional organizational skills and ability to multitask.
- Self-starter with demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
- Must possess a high degree of proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Enthusiastic and eager to learn about economic development initiatives.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift to 15 pounds at times.
- Travel up to10%
Deadline to Apply: October 25, 2025
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. The National Urban League is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) laws. The National Urban League strictly prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of the individual's race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion or creed, national origin, alienage, citizenship, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual and reproductive health decisions or decision making (of employees or their dependents), familial status, marital status, partnership status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or pre-employment criminal conviction record, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all National Urban League activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, discipline, and discharge. This policy also bans discriminatory harassment. Employment at the National Urban League is at will.
$75,000-$100,00 yearly
Application Requirements:
- Cover letter outlining research interests and alignment with the fellowship.
- Curriculum vitae
- Writing Sample- Applicants must submit one sample of scholarly writing focused on reparations or a closely related topic. Please note - Additional writing samples may be requested during the review and interview process.
- Two letters of recommendation
To Apply: Submit all required documents by clicking the link below:
https://jobs-iamempowered.icims.com/jobs/1218/scholar--in-residence/job